Did you know that every 6 months, that newly bought computer will have become obsolete. It doesn’t mean it lost it’s usefulness. It just means that within a few years that computer will no longer be able to work as fast as it should be. Technology is always evolving and the new software coming out every day become better and better. However, by learning to optimize your computer, you can use that computer for a few more years. Just follow these five easy steps and enjoy a faster pc!
Step 1: Check for computer viruses.
Many computer users are not aware of just how abundant these things are. You may not be aware of this, but many people may have some form of virus or spyware program on their computer. Users will never know until it’s too late. Computer viruses and spyware use up system resources to run themselves. In other words, they give your computer more work to do, making it slow down.
What should I do?
Turn on your anti-virus program and scan for any malicious programs. make sure to have the latest definitions. Also, you might want to scan with more than one anti-virus. Anti-virus programs have a habit of missing things, having a back-up scanner can help reduce this problem. Also use an anti-spyware program. Spyware is different than a virus. As such, anti-virus programs will have a difficult time picking up on them.
After scanning, delete anything your programs are angry about. If you need some anti-virus programs or spyware, click here. The page leads to a web page with a list of free anti-virus programs and anti-spyware programs.
Step 2: Scan and fix computer registry errors.
One of the biggest way to optimize your computer is through it’s registry. Bascially, the registry is the brain of the computer. This is where your computer stores information on programs, daily functions and anything else. Depending with use, it begins to clutter. Uninstalling programs can also leave behind leftover files. This excess information makes it harder for the computer to find what it’s looking for.
How do I optimize the registry?
There are several ways to go about this, however, the easiest is through the use of advanced system care. Advanced system care can scan for and fix registry problems for you. Can be downloaded here.
The link heads straight to the developers site. This program is free.
Step 3: Defragment your hardrive.
Fixing the registry and defragmenting are quite similar. However, in this case it deals with the hard drive. With use, files will become cluttered. Think of it like a cabinet, over the years you shove important documents into it. When the time comes you need something from it, you will have to shuffle through all those documents to find the right one. The same applies for a computer. By defragging the harddrive, you are organizing those files so that it is easier to find what you need.
How do I optimize the harddrive?
There should be a defragment tool located already on your computer. The program is made by windows. For Vista and 7 users, it can found in control panel. Click on system and security. It is found under Administrative tools. For xp users, go to my computer. Right click C: drive. Select properties, then click on tools and push defragment now.
If you’re looking for a third party software, smart defrag is a good choice. This program is mage by the same people who made advanced system care. It comes with advanced system care. It can be downloaded separate here.
Step 4: Disable some startup prgrams.
When installing programs, some will want to start up along with your computer. So every time you boot up your computer, these programs will start up as well. If you are looking to optimize your computer, is a really great place to start. Programs that start up with your computer slow down it’s boot time. Not only that it use up your system’s resources to run. This is one of the biggest reason of computers slowing down.
How can I optimize my start-up time and my system?
For windows vista and 7 users, type msconfig into the search box. A window named system configuration should open. From here head to the startup tab. This will show you a list of all programs that boot along with your computer. From here disable, any programs that you do not need and restart. Please, take caution of when using this tool. Using this tool carelessly can cause damage to your computer. Only disable what you know. Google any other programs names to see if they are important or not.
Step 5: Add more ram.
Add more ram to your computer. This step will cost you some money and time. However, this step is also the most effective to optimize your computer. Ram is a form of memory that the computer uses to access and run files, programs and anything else. The cost of adding ram varies.
How much does it cost?
Depending on your experience on your computer, it may cost from 30 to 200 dollars. If you know how to install ram, it will only cost you 30-60 dollars. If you don’t know how to install ram, you can hire a professional to do it for you. They will charge for the part and the labor.
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